Local studies librarian

Local studies libraries preserve and make accessible the published local history of an area. They are part of the local authority’s library provision, but are often combined local archive services and museums. They preserve a wide range of materials including books, pamphlets, maps, newspapers, microfilms, digital publications, photographs and other images, oral history interviews, sound recordings and many others. All these have their own conservation requirements and need expertise to allow library users to get full value from them.

Community engagement is a vital part of a local studies librarian’s role as collections are important in building up local identity and pride and helping foster social inclusion. This requires working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and involvement with local societies and organisations. There will also be a role in developing specific projects and managing volunteers.

Depending on the size of the service, staff management and service development may be required.

Qualifications

An accredited library and information qualification is usually required

Chartered Membership of CILIP (MCLIP) is advantageous in demonstrating an ongoing engagement with the profession.

An IT qualification such as ECDL or equivalent is often required

A history qualification may be required

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all members of the community

Excellent customer care skills

Good IT skills

Ability to teach historical research skills

Ability to deliver services to the public, demonstrating good practice especially in relation to disadvantaged groups

An enthusiasm for local history and family history

Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external partners

Awareness of national and regional issues in the library, local studies and archives sectors